Why do I Need a Celebrant for my Wedding

Brides and grooms sometimes ask, “Why do I need a celebrant for my wedding?” Weddings can cost a lot, so why go to the expense of hiring a celebrant?

In Australia, you must have a celebrant to oversee the legal aspects of your wedding unless a priest or minister is marrying you. If you don’t have a celebrant, you will not be validly married. Even couples who want a no-fuss ceremony need a marriage celebrant to look after the legals and submit their marriage documents to Births, Deaths and Marriages for registration.

Celebrant Training

All celebrants have to complete a Certificate IV in Celebrancy. They must be registered with the Federal Attorney-General’s Department before they can marry anyone. They are up to date with the Marriage Act and the rules and regulations for getting married. Celebrants also have lots of information and ideas to make your ceremony unique and special. Most of them are skilled public speakers who can engage your guests and keep them interested and attentive during your ceremony.

So can my friend marry us

Your friends and family members can be part of the ceremony if you like. In fact, it’s okay for them to write and conduct the entire ceremony. Just make sure your celebrant is there to fulfil the legal requirements. I have overseen the legals for several weddings conducted by friends and family members. Sometimes, ministers from smaller churches are not registered celebrants. You pastor can conduct most of your ceremony, but you will still need a celebrant for the legals.

A wedding without a celebrant is just a party. CALL NOW to chat with me about choosing the right celebrant for your perfect day.

For answers to more of your questions about getting married, have a look at these blogs: Official Certificate of Marriage, Marrying Young, Do I Have to Say my Vows in English and Changing Your Name.

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Photo by Eve Wheeler, Photography2envy